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Abstract:

An electronic apparatus having a resonance structure for providing smooth
resonance of a speaker sound of a speaker device is provided. The
electronic apparatus includes an upper case frame, a lower case frame
adapted to be joined with the upper case frame and have a sealing
structure for joining the lower case frame and the upper case frame, a
speaker device fixed to an inner surface of one of the upper case frame
and the lower case frame, and a board electrically connected with speaker
terminals of the speaker device when the upper case frame and the lower
case frame are joined and, wherein a sealing space formed by the sealing
structure creates a resonance space of the speaker device.

Claims:

1. An electronic apparatus comprising: an upper case frame; a lower case
frame adapted to be joined with the upper case frame and have a sealing
structure; a speaker device fixed to an inner surface of one of the upper
case frame and the lower case frame; and a board electrically connected
with speaker terminals of the speaker device when the upper case frame
and the lower case frame are joined, and wherein a sealing space formed
by the sealing structure creates is used as a resonance space of the
speaker device.

2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the board is fixed to one
of a lower or upper case frame opposite to the other of a lower or upper
case frame to which the speaker device is fixed.

3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resonance space is a
space located between a case frame in which the speaker device is
installed and the board.

4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the speaker device is
retained within a bushing, projected and formed on an inner surface of a
case frame in which the speaker device is installed.

6. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sealing structure,
further comprises a separate sealing member which interposes between the
upper case frame and the lower case frame to hermetically seal the
sealing space.

7. The electronic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is
made of rubber or silicon.

8. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus
is a portable terminal.

9. An electronic apparatus comprising: at least two case frames
configured to have a sealing space therein when the case frames are
joined and are adapted to incorporate an electronic apparatus within the
at least two case frames; a board disposed in a space formed between the
case frames; and a speaker device which is installed in one of the at
least two case frames and is electrically connected with the board when
the case frames are joined, wherein the sealing space formed by the case
frames is used as a resonance space for the speaker device when the
speaker device is operated.

10. The electronic apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a sealing
member which interposes between the case frames to hermetically seal the
sealing space.

11. The electronic apparatus of claim 9, wherein the case frames include
an upper case frame, a lower case frame, and a battery cover removably
installed in the lower case frame.

12. The electronic apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronic apparatus
is a portable terminal.

13. The electronic apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a sealing
member which interposes between the lower case frame and the battery
cover to hermetically seal the battery cover with the lower case frame.

14. A resonance structure for a speaker device of an electronic
apparatus, the resonance structure comprising: a first case frame; a
second case frame which is joined with the first case frame and are
adapted to incorporate an electronic apparatus within the first case
frame and the second case frame; a board disposed in a space formed by
the first and second case frames; and a speaker device which is installed
in one of the first and second case frames and has speaker terminals
electrically connected with the board when the case frames are joined,
wherein the space is formed as a sealing structure and wherein the space
is used as a resonance space of the speaker device when the speaker
device is operated.

15. The resonance structure of claim 14, further comprising a sealing
member which interposes between the first and second case frames to
hermetically seal the sealing space.

16. The resonance structure of claim 14, wherein the electronic apparatus
is a portable terminal.

Description:

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)
from a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office on Dec. 28, 2011 and assigned Serial No. 10-2011-0144766,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a
resonance structure for providing smooth resonance of a speaker sound of
a speaker device.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] In general, a speaker device operates by the interaction of a
magnet and a diaphragm having a voice coil installed to have a certain
gap with the magnet on a body having a certain cylindrical receiving
part. When a driving signal is provided to the above-described voice
coil, the voice coil rises or falls in a direction aligned with a
magnetic force line of the magnet and a magnitude and direction of an
electromagnetic force line of the voice coil. In response, the diaphragm
vibrates together with the voice coil. That is, because sound pressure is
generated when the above-described operation of the diaphragm is
repeatedly performed, the speaker device outputs a sound of an audible
frequency band. Accordingly, an electronic apparatus including the
speaker device must have a space that is capable of receiving the sound
pressure generated from the speaker device.

[0006] However, in order to meet demands of users, small-sized electronic
apparatuses, such as a portable terminal for voice call and video
telephony and an MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player which use the
above-described speaker device are continually providing a greater number
and more diverse functions while being reduced in size.

[0007] In the case of portable terminals, a thin-type slim phone which
minimizes the entire thickness of the portable terminal are becoming more
prevalent. Such portable terminals are on a trend of minimizing the size
of a variety of components mounted therein. In addition, recently, a
typical portable terminal, commonly referred to as a "smartphone"
includes a touch screen device. The touch screen device may be used as a
display device, provide an interactive input device for providing access
to the wireless Internet and may execute software including a variety of
application programs such as a multimedia presentations and listening to
music. The touch screen device may also perform data input and output
simultaneously. In order to perform many of the above-described
functions, a smartphone may also include a speaker device for outputting
sounds, music and alarms.

[0008] If the above-described speaker device is applied to this electronic
apparatus, a surface on which a speaker sound of the speaker device is
emitted and a surface of a case frame of the electronic apparatus are
generally positioned very close together. However, as described above, if
the case frame of the electronic apparatus and the speaker device are
located in close proximity, the air-hole, which is formed in a rear of
the speaker device and allows for the movement of air in response to
vibration of a diaphragm, and an inner surface of the case frame will not
have a sufficient space between them. Accordingly, air is not smoothly
emitted from the speaker device. For this reason, relatively low volume
and sound quality are generated.

[0009] Accordingly, in order to generate desired sound pressure, the
electronic apparatus is configured by placing the speaker device within
an injection molded structure such as a separate carrier or enclosure in
order to enclose the speaker within a structure and thus control and
focus the sound waves output from the speaker in order to achieve a
higher quality sound output.

[0010] However, there is a problem in that this configuration not only
generates insufficient sound pressure for the speaker device but also
this configuration is in contrast to the trend in an electronic apparatus
toward slimness, lightness, thinness, and compactness, because the
separate carrier adds additional structure and bulk to the electronic
device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An exemplary aspect of the present invention is to solve at least
the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least
the advantages described below. Accordingly, an exemplary aspect of the
present invention is to provide an electronic apparatus having a
resonance structure for a speaker device, which has a structure for
emitting a sound which has a higher quality than conventional quality
using a speaker device of the same performance.

[0012] Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide an
electronic apparatus having a resonance structure for a speaker device,
which is implemented to emit sound quality of desired performance having
a simple structure using only components of the electronic apparatus
without an additional component.

[0013] Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide an
electronic apparatus having a resonance structure for a speaker device,
which is implemented to emit sound quality of desired performance using
only basic components of the electronic apparatus and to maintain the
compactness and slimness in the electronic apparatus.

[0014] Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is to provide an
electronic apparatus or a portable terminal having a resonance structure
for a speaker device, which is implemented to form a smooth resonance
space of the speaker device using an airtight structure of the electronic
apparatus.

[0015] In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, an
electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes

[0016] an upper case frame; a lower case frame adapted to be joined with
the upper case frame and have a sealing structure; a speaker device fixed
to an inner surface of one of the upper case frame and the lower case
frame; and a board electrically connected with speaker terminals of the
speaker device when the upper case frame and the lower case frame are
joined, and wherein a sealing space formed by the sealing structure
creates is used as a resonance space of the speaker device.

[0017] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present
invention, an electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus
includes at least two case frames configured to have a sealing space
therein when the case frames are joined and are adapted to incorporate an
electronic apparatus within the at least two case frames; a board
disposed in a space formed between the case frames; and a speaker device
which is installed in one of the at least two case frames and is
electrically connected with the board when the case frames are joined,
wherein the sealing space formed by the case frames is used as a
resonance space for the speaker device when the speaker device is
operated.

[0018] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present
invention, a resonance structure for a speaker device of an electronic
apparatus is provided. The resonance structure includes a first case
frame; a second case frame which is joined with the first case frame and
are adapted to incorporate an electronic apparatus within the first case
frame and the second case frame; a board disposed in a space formed by
the first and second case frames; and a speaker device which is installed
in one of the first and second case frames and has speaker terminals
electrically connected with the board when the case frames are joined,
wherein the space is formed as a sealing structure and wherein the space
is used as a resonance space of the speaker device when the speaker
device is operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other exemplary aspects, features and advantages of
certain exemplary embodiments of the ELECTRONIC APPARATUS HAVING
RESONANCE STRUCTURE FOR SPEAKER DEVICE according to the present invention
will become more apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable terminal according
to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a portable terminal of FIG. 1
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portable terminal
showing a state where a speaker device of FIG. 1 is installed according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a part of a portable terminal
showing a state where a speaker device of FIG. 1 is installed according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be
described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In
the following description, well-known functions or constructions may not
be described in detail when they would obscure the appreciation of the
present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the art with
unnecessary detail of the well-known functions and structures. Also, the
terms used herein are defined according to the functions of the present
invention as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the terms may vary depending on user's or operator's intension
and usage. That is, the terms used herein must be understood based on the
descriptions made herein in view of the ordinary level of skill in the
art.

[0025] In describing the present invention, hereinafter, the present
invention provides a portable terminal for transmitting and receiving
voices and images. However, it is clear that a speaker mounting structure
according to the present invention may be applied to a variety of
devices. For example, the speaker mounting structure may be applied to a
variety of devices having a speaker device, such as for example a tablet
Personal Computer (PC) or an MP3 player. The speaker mounting structure
may also be applied to a speaker device provided in a device which is not
a portable device. It is clear that the speaker mounting structure may be
applied to a variety of electronic apparatuses which may form a speaker
sound resonance space according to a case frame combination structure of
the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable terminal according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear
perspective view of a portable terminal of FIG. 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the portable terminal denoted
by 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
includes an upper case frame 10 and a lower case frame 20. The upper case
frame 10 and the lower case frame 20 forms the exterior housing of the
portable terminal 1. A display device 2 is installed on a front surface
of the portable terminal 1. An ear piece 3 for audio output of sound,
such as for a voice call is installed above the display device 2. A
microphone device 4 for audio input of sound, such as for a voice call is
installed under the display device 2. Preferably, the display device 2
may be a touch screen device which performs data input and output
simultaneously.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, a speaker sound emission hole 5 is formed in a
rear surface of the portable terminal 1. The speaker sound emission hole
5 provides for the transmission of speaker sound emitted from a speaker
device (see 30 of FIG. 3) installed in the portable terminal 1 to the
outside of the portable terminal 1. As described above, the speaker sound
emission hole 5 is installed in the rear surface of the portable terminal
1. However, the location of the speaker sound emission hole 5 is not
limited to the rear surface of the portable terminal 1. The speaker sound
emission hole 5 may be installed in a variety of positions such as a
front surface or a side surface of the portable terminal 1 to correspond
to the position of the speaker device 30 installed in the portable
terminal 1.

[0029] This speaker device 30 may be used to perform a variety of audio
output functions of the portable terminal 1. For example, the speaker
device 30 may be applied to provide audio output for multimedia
presentations such as moving pictures or games, a function for
reproducing bell and alert sounds, and a function for listening to music.

[0030] Also, a battery cover 50 is installed on the rear surface of the
portable terminal 1 for providing access to an interior battery
compartment of the portable terminal. When the battery cover 50 is
opened, a certain battery cell (see 60 of FIG. 4) may be provided and
installed as a power supply means of the portable terminal 1.

[0031]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portable terminal
showing a state where a speaker device of FIG. 1 is installed according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the portable terminal 1 in which
a speaker sound resonance space (see S of FIG. 4) is provided according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the upper
case frame 10 and the lower case frame 20 which is joined with the upper
case frame 10 to form the exterior housing of the portable terminal 1, a
board (for example a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for providing the device
electronic circuitry) 40 and a speaker device 30 which are disposed in a
space disposed between the assembly of the upper case frame 10 and the
lower case frame 20.

[0033] A bushing 22 which is projected and extends in an upper direction
is adapted and positioned to receive the above-described speaker device
30 is formed on a specific place of a lower surface 21 of the lower case
frame 20. It is preferable that this bushing 22 is formed as an integral
component together with the lower case from when injection molding of the
lower case frame 20 is performed. However, one skilled in the art will
recognize that it is acceptable that the bushing is formed on the upper
case frame 10 to secure and locate the speaker device 30. Accordingly, it
is preferable that the bushing 22 is formed having a size and shape to
tightly mount the speaker device 30 by a fitting type to easily assemble
the speaker device 30.

[0034] A plurality of electrical connection speaker terminals 33 are
provided on one surface of a speaker body 34 of the speaker device 30.
When the portable terminal is assembled and the speaker device is
installed, these speaker terminals 33 may be electrically connected with
connection terminals of the PCB 40 for providing an audio signal from the
PCB to the speaker device 30. Also, at least one air hole 31 is formed in
a side surface of the speaker body 34. This air hole 31 is formed to
allow for the movement of air generated and caused according to vibration
of a diaphragm in the speaker body 34. As described above, while the air
hole 31 is depicted in this embodiment as being formed in the side of the
speaker body 34, one skilled in the art will recognize that the air hole
31 may also be formed in another surface of the speaker body 34.

[0035] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the speaker device 30 may be fixed to the lower case frame 20
and the PCB 40 may be fixed to the upper case frame 10. Accordingly, when
the upper case frame 10 and the lower case frame 20 are joined, the
speaker terminals 33 which are installed on the speaker body 34 of the
speaker device 30 fixed to the lower case frame 20 and are exposed in an
upper direction depicted in FIG. 3 and may be electrically connected with
the connection terminals provided on the PCB 40. Also, the battery cover
50 may also be further installed on the lower case frame 20.

[0036] Additionally, the portable terminal 1 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention also includes a waterproof and
airtight capability. Accordingly, a certain sealing member 23 may be
provided which is interposed between the upper case frame 10 and the
lower case frame 20. This sealing member 23 may be a made of a material
such as a well-known sealing member materials rubber and or silicon,
although one skilled in the art will recognize that other materials and
constructions are also possible. Also, a sealing member 51 may be applied
between the lower case frame 20 and the battery cover 50.

[0037]FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a portable terminal showing a
state where a speaker device of FIG. 1 is installed according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when the upper case frame 10,
the lower case frame 20, the PCB 40, the speaker device 30, and the
battery cover 50 are assembled, the portable terminal 1 may include a
waterproof and airtight capability. Accordingly, a sealing structure
where the inside of the portable terminal 1 is isolated from the outside
thereof is provided. Additionally a speaker sound resonance space S is
created for the speaker sound generated from the speaker device 30. The
speaker sound may be emitted through the speaker sound emission hole 5.
That is, the space S which has an airtight seal from the outside of the
portable terminal case is perfectly sealed by the upper case frame 10,
the lower case frame 20, the sealing member 23, the battery cover 50, and
the sealing member 51 and thus may be used as a resonance space of the
speaker device 30. The resonance space S is in communication with the air
holes 31 such that air movement generated and caused according to
vibration of a diaphragm in the speaker body 34 may pass through the air
holes and move within the sealed resonance space. The resonance space may
also be provided and include a space between the PCB 40 installed in the
upper case frame 10 and the lower case frame 20.

[0039] In conclusion, the electronic apparatus according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention does not use additional or separate
components for creating a separate resonance space for the speaker
device. In accordance with the present invention a resonance space of the
speaker device installed in the electronic apparatus may be formed by
sealing an airtight and waterproof structure within the case frame.
Therefore, the electronic apparatus may save manufacturing costs and may
be more compact, therefore contributing to slimness of the portable
device.

[0040] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and
details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Patent applications by Jee-Tae Park, Gyeongsangbuk-Do KR

Patent applications by SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.

Patent applications in class Portable or for use in diverse environment

Patent applications in all subclasses Portable or for use in diverse environment